Adjustable front axle and a vehicle having same

ABSTRACT

An adjustable front axle includes an axle housing; an axle tube connected to an end of the axle housing; an inner-C-forging disposed on the axle tube at an end away from the axle housing; and a mounting apparatus configured for detachably fixing the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The inner-C-forging is provided with a first angle adjustment structure, the axle tube is provided with a second angle adjustment structure. The mounting apparatus is disposed on the axle tube, and capable of cooperating with the inner-C-forging to fix the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The first angle adjustment structure and the second angle adjustment structure have different cooperation positions such that the inner-C-forging has different installation angles relative to the axle tube. A vehicle is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present patent document is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 18/099,222, filed on Jan. 19, 2023, which claimsthe benefit of priority of Chinese patent application number202223241482.9, filed on Dec. 2, 2022, and entitled “AN ADJUSTABLE FRONTAXLE FIXED BY THREADS AND A VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME”, the benefit ofpriority of Chinese patent application number 202223243015.X, filed onDec. 2, 2022, and entitled “AN ADJUSTABLE FRONT AXLE FIXED BY A BASE ANDA VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME”, the benefit of priority of Chinese patentapplication number 202223241559.2, filed on Dec. 2, 2022, and entitled“A DRIVE FRONT AXLE FIXED BY CIRCUMFERENTIAL COMBINATION AND A VEHICLEHAVING THE SAME”, and the benefit of priority of Chinese patentapplication number 202223243012.6, filed on Dec. 2, 2022, and entitled“DRIVE FRONT AXLE FIXED BY END FACE COMBINATION AND A VEHICLE HAVING THESAME”. The entire disclosure of the above-identified application isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present document relates to automobile structures, in particular toan adjustable front axle and a vehicle having the same.

BACKGROUND

Since the launch of the first off-road vehicle model, the appearance,interior trim, four-wheel drive technology, and power system of theoff-road vehicle have made great progress, however, as the core of thechassis, the front axle assembly has not been substantially improved.

SUMMARY

The present document discloses, among other things, an adjustable frontaxle and a vehicle having the same. The adjustable front axle canconveniently adjust the caster angle and the pinion to driveshaft angleindependently while ensuring the support strength.

The adjustable front axle includes an axle housing; an axle tubeconnected to an end of the axle housing; an inner-C-forging disposed onthe axle tube at an end away from the axle housing; and a mountingapparatus configured for detachably fixing the inner-C-forging to theaxle tube. The inner-C-forging is provided with a first angle adjustmentstructure, the axle tube is provided with a second angle adjustmentstructure, the mounting apparatus is disposed on the axle tube, andcapable of cooperating with the inner-C-forging to fix theinner-C-forging to the axle tube. The first angle adjustment structureand the second angle adjustment structure have different cooperationpositions such that the inner-C-forging has different installationangles relative to the axle tube.

In some embodiments, the mounting apparatus is sleeved around the axletube and capable of being screwed to the inner-C-forging.

In some embodiments, the inner-C-forging includes a first annular ring,the mounting apparatus includes a second annular ring, one of the firstannular ring and the second annular ring is provided with externalthreads, the other one of the first annular ring and the second annularring is provided with internal threads, the mounting apparatus and theinner-C-forging are connected by the internal threads and the externalthreads.

In some embodiments, the axle tube includes a flange at an end away fromthe axle housing, the mounting apparatus includes a base which isdisposed around the axle tube and a plurality of connecting memberswhich is capable of extending through the base and the flange, anduniting with the inner-C-forging to fix the inner-C-forging to the axletube.

In some embodiments, the axle tube includes a flange at an end away fromthe axle housing, if the inner-C-forging is fixed to the axle tube, theflange is sandwiched between the inner-C-forging and the mountingapparatus.

In some embodiments, the first angle adjustment structure is provided onan end surface of the inner-C-forging which faces to the axle tube, thesecond angle adjustment structure is provided on an end surface of theaxle tube which faces to the inner-C-forging.

In some embodiments, the inner-C-forging includes a backing plate whichis mounted to an inner side of the inner-C-forging and is perpendicularto an axis of the inner-C-forging, the first angle adjustment structureis formed on an end surface of the backing plate which faces to theflange.

In some embodiments, the inner-C-forging includes a reinforcement tubewhich is capable of extending into the axle tube, the axle tube includesa third annular ring inside the axle tube, the first angle adjustmentstructure is formed on an end surface of the reinforcement tube whichfaces to the third annular ring, the second angle adjustment structureis provided on an end surface of the third annular ring which faces tothe reinforcement tube.

In some embodiments, the first angle adjustment structure is provided ona side surface of the inner-C-forging which is parallel to an axis ofthe inner-C-forging, the second angle adjustment structure is providedon a side surface of the axle tube which is parallel to an axis of theaxle tube.

In some embodiments, inner-C-forging includes a reinforcement tube whichis capable of extending into the axle tube, the first angle adjustmentstructure is provided on an outer side surface of the reinforcementtube, the second angle adjustment structure is provided on an inner sidesurface of the axle tube.

In some embodiments, the inner-C-forging includes a first annular ringwhich is capable of receiving the flange, the first angle adjustmentstructure is provided on an inner side surface of the first annularring, the second angle adjustment structure is provided on an outer sidesurface of the flange.

In some embodiments, one of the first angle adjustment structure and thesecond angle adjustment structure is provided with a plurality ofprotrusions, the other one of the first angle adjustment structure andthe second angle adjustment structure is provided with a plurality ofdepressions, the protrusions or the depressions are disposed along acircumferential direction of a corresponding axle tube or acircumferential direction of the inner-C-forging, the second angleadjustment structure has different cooperation positions on the firstangle adjustment structure by means of the cooperation of theprotrusions and different depressions.

The present document also discloses a vehicle, which includes anadjustable front axle. The adjustable front axle includes: an axlehousing; an axle tube connected to an end of the axle housing; aninner-C-forging disposed on the axle tube at an end away from the axlehousing and configured for connecting with a kingpin knuckle; a mountingapparatus configured for detachably fixing the inner-C-forging to theaxle tube. The inner-C-forging is provided with a first angle adjustmentstructure which includes a plurality of protrusions or a plurality ofdepressions, the axle tube is provided with a second angle adjustmentstructure which includes a plurality of depressions or a plurality ofprotrusions. The mounting apparatus is disposed on the axle tube, andcapable of cooperating with the inner-C-forging to fix theinner-C-forging to the axle tube. The first angle adjustment structureand the second angle adjustment structure have different cooperationpositions such that the inner-C-forging has different installationangles relative to the axle tube, and a caster to pinion angle isdifferent at inner-C-forging's different installation angles.

In some embodiments, the axle tube includes a flange at an end away fromthe axle housing, the inner-C-forging includes a first annular ringwhich is capable of receiving the flange, the mounting apparatusincludes a base which is disposed between the flange and the axlehousing, and a second annular ring which axially extends from the base.One of the first annular ring and the second annular ring is providedwith external threads, the other one of the first annular ring and thesecond annular ring is provided with internal threads, the mountingapparatus and the inner-C-forging are connected by the internal threadsand the external threads.

In some embodiments, the axle tube includes a flange at an end away fromthe axle housing, the mounting apparatus includes a base which isdisposed around the axle tube and a plurality of connecting memberswhich is capable of extending through the base and the flange, anduniting with the inner-C-forging to fix the inner-C-forging to the axletube.

In some embodiments, the first angle adjustment structure is provided onan end surface of the inner-C-forging which faces to the axle tube, thesecond angle adjustment structure is provided on an end surface of theaxle tube which faces to the inner-C-forging, or the first angleadjustment structure is provided on a side surface of theinner-C-forging which is parallel to an axis of the inner-C-forging, thesecond angle adjustment structure is provided on a side surface of theaxle tube which is parallel to an axis of the axle tube.

In some embodiments, the axle tube includes a flange at an end away fromthe axle housing, the inner-C-forging includes a backing plateperpendicular to an axis of the inner-C-forgoing, the first angleadjustment structure is provided on an end surface of the backing platewhich faces to the flange, the second angle adjustment structure isprovided on an end surface of the flange which faces to the backingplate, if the inner-C-forging is fixed to the axle tube, the flange issandwiched between the inner-C-forging and the mounting apparatus, withthe first angle adjustment structure engaging with the second angleadjustment structure.

In some embodiments, the inner-C-forging includes a reinforcement tubewhich is capable of extending into the axle tube, the axle tube includesa third annular ring inside the axle tube, the first angle adjustmentstructure is formed on an end surface of the reinforcement tube whichfaces to the third annular ring, the second angle adjustment structureis provided on an end surface of the third annular ring which faces tothe reinforcement tube.

In some embodiments, the axle tube includes a flange at an end away fromthe axle housing, the inner-C-forging includes a first annular ringwhich is capable of receiving the flange, the first angle adjustmentstructure is provided on an inner side surface of the first annularring, the second angle adjustment structure is provided on an outer sidesurface of the flange.

In some embodiments, the inner-C-forging includes a reinforcement tubewhich is capable of extending into the axle tube, the first angleadjustment structure is provided on an outer side surface of thereinforcement tube, the second angle adjustment structure is provided onan inner side surface of the axle tube.

In some embodiments, the inner-C-forging on at least one of the axletube is separately arranged from the corresponding axle tube, and theinner-C-forging is detachably mounted to the axle tube through themounting apparatus. When it is required to adjust the caster angle, thecomponents on one side of the vehicle can be disassembled, and theinner-C-forging can be rotated around its own axis to a suitable angleand rejoined with the axle tube, such that the protrusions could engagewith the corresponding depressions. Finally, the mounting apparatus isrejoined to the inner-C-forging to sandwich the flange between theinner-C-forging and the mounting apparatus and complete the assembly ofthe inner-C-forging and the axle tube. This can change the installationangle of the inner-C-forging relative to the axle tube, and makes thecaster angle be adjustable. In other words, by means of the engagementbetween the first angle adjustment structure and the second angleadjustment structure, the inner-C-forging is capable of having differentinstallation angles relative to the axle tube. By means of sandwichingthe flange between the mounting apparatus and the inner-C-forging, theinner-C-forging is hardly disengaged from the axle tube. Under thepremise of ensuring the support strength, the adjustable front axle caneasily adjust the caster angle and the caster to kingpin angle on bothsides of the vehicle independently. Meanwhile, the positions and anglesof the installation points of the components on the axle tube are stillkept as original, and variables that affect the chassis wheelbase, thedirectional accuracy, and the suspension height can not be introduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, isometric view of a first embodiment of anadjustable front axle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, exploded view of the adjustable front axle inFIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic, top view of the adjustable front axle in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV ofFIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of circle A in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a schematic, isometric view of an inner-C-forging in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 is a schematic, exploded view of the inner-C-forging in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a schematic, isometric view of the adjustable front axle inFIG. 1 after removing the inner-C-forging and a mounting apparatus fromone side thereof.

FIG. 9 is a schematic, isometric view of the mounting apparatus in FIG.2 .

FIG. 10 is a schematic, exploded view of a second embodiment of anadjustable front axle.

FIG. 11 is a schematic, isometric view of an inner-C-forging in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a schematic, isometric view of the adjustable front axle inFIG. 10 after removing the inner-C-forging and a mounting apparatus fromone side thereof.

FIG. 13 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the adjustable frontaxle in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of circle B in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is a schematic, isometric view of a third embodiment of anadjustable front axle.

FIG. 16 is a schematic, exploded view of the adjustable front axle inFIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the adjustable frontaxle in FIG. 15 .

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of circle C in FIG. 17 .

FIG. 19 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment ofan adjustable front axle.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of circle D in FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of anadjustable front axle.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of circle E in FIG. 21 .

FIG. 23 is a schematic, exploded view of a sixth embodiment of anadjustable front axle.

FIG. 24 is a schematic, isometric view of the adjustable front axle inFIG. 23 after removing an inner-C-forging and a mounting apparatus fromone side thereof.

FIG. 25 is a schematic, isometric view of the inner-C-forging in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a schematic, exploded view of a seven embodiment of anadjustable front axle.

FIG. 27 is a schematic, isometric view of the adjustable front axle inFIG. 26 after removing an inner-C-forging and a mounting apparatus fromone side thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In order to make the purpose, the technical solutions and the advantagesof the present document, various embodiments will be further describedin detail.

It should be noted that in the description, terms such as “first” and“second” are used to distinguish similar objects, and are notnecessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It is to beunderstood that the data so used are interchangeable under appropriatecircumstances such that the embodiments described herein can bepracticed in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

In the present document, the orientation or positional relationshipindicated by the terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, etc. are basedon the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, andare only for the convenience of describing and for simplifying thedescription, rather than indicating or implying that the device orelement must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate ina specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limitationof the embodiment. The X direction refers to the length direction of avehicle, the Y direction refers to the width direction of the vehicle,and the Z direction refers to the height direction of the vehicle.

In addition, unless be clearly specified and limited, terms such as“install”, “connect”, “link” and “fix” in the present document should beinterpreted in a broad sense. For example, the term may be used todescribe a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or anintegration into a single piece; directly connected, or indirectlyconnected through an intermediary, and may be an internal communicationbetween two elements or an interaction relationship between twoelements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For those of ordinary skillin the art the specific meanings of the above terms in the presentdocument can be understood according to specific situations.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

In the past 25 years, the global sales of off-road vehicles haveexceeded 30 million, and consumers' demand for customization andmodification of such models is also increasing day by day. For globalautomakers and modification shops, changing to bigger tires, replacingor enhancing the suspension system to lift the vehicle chassis for moreground clearance, and making the overall appearance of the vehicle moreattractive have become the most common ways of customization in theindustry. However, the lift of the vehicle chassis also brings thefollowing technical limitations that obviously affect the vehiclehandling experience, moreover, seriously threaten the safety of thepeople in the vehicle.

1. With the vehicle chassis lifted, the pinion to driveshaft angle hasincreased, causing the u-joint of the driveshaft to vibrate, therebyeasily damaging the u-joints, seals, etc., and greatly increasing theprobability of abnormal damage to the driveshaft and transfer case. Atthe same time, obvious chassis vibration is generated due to thedistortion of these components during the running of the vehicle.

2. The lifted vehicle chassis also brings the drastic change in theinstallation position of the front axle assembly, which results in thecaster angles on both sides of the front axle becoming smaller at thesame time. Consequently, when the vehicle is driving in a straight line,the front wheels will vibrate, the steering wheel will swingindeterminately, and the steering will be touchy at high speed and wheelreturn-to-center will be diminished when coming out of a turn, whichmakes the driver lose the road feeling and have no confidence in thevehicle handling even when driving on conventional roads.

3. The increase in tire diameter, the wear of tires, the left-rightimbalance of the suspension system, and the combination of other factorscause the vehicle fail to run straight and even sway to left and right.Although the problem of not being able to run straight can befundamentally solved by independently and properly adjusting the casterangle on one side, however, both inner-C-forgings on all the currentfront axle assemblies have been welded to the axle tube as a factorysetting, thus, the caster angle cannot be independently adjusted.

4. In order to alleviate the vehicle deviation symptoms, (simply put,not being able to run straight line,) technicians often tend to adjustthe wheelbase on one side by changing the length of the chassis controlarms. However, not only this approach cannot fundamentally solve theproblem of not being able to run straight, but also can make the vehicleproduce distortion feeling when turning because the wheelbases on bothsides are different from each other and no longer form a regularrectangle as the vehicle leaves the factory. In the course of running,the tires on both sides will do serpentine motion because of thewheelbases inconsistency, as a result, the direct feeling of driver isthat the chassis is loose and unstable.

The fundamental reason why the above problems can not be solved isbecause of the common structural design of all the front axle assembliesin the current market: the caster angles and the pinion to driveshaftangle on both sides can not be independently adjusted, thus, consumerscan only bear various vehicle handling problems and major potentialsafety hazards caused by this design. What global automakers andmodification shops can do is to spend a lot of labor and time tocontinuously fine-tune the vehicles with underwhelming result, whichleads to low customer satisfaction.

EMBODIMENTS

In one example aspect, the present document provides an adjustable frontaxle and a vehicle having the same. The adjustable front axle canconveniently adjust the caster angle and the pinion to driveshaft angleof the vehicle independently while ensuring the supporting strength.

First Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 , a first embodiment of an adjustablefront axle includes an axle housing 10, two axle tubes 20, twoinner-C-forgings 30, and at least one mounting apparatus 40. The axletubes 20 are disposed at two opposite sides of the axle housing 10respectively. The inner-C-forging 30 is located at an end of the axletube 20 which is away from the axle housing 10 and is used to connectwith a kingpin knuckle (not shown). At least one inner-C-forging 30 isdetachably fixed to a corresponding axle tube 20 by a correspondingmounting apparatus 40. In some embodiments, the inner-C-forging 30 atone side of the front axle is detachably fixed to the axle tube 20 bythe mounting apparatus 40, and the inner-C-forging 30 at the other sideof the front axle is integrally formed with or welded to the axle tube20. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the axle tubes 20 at both sidesof the front axle are connected to the inner-C-forgings 30 by twomounting apparatuses 40 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 6 through FIG. 8 , the inner-C-forging 30 is providedwith a first angle adjustment structure 31 on a surface facing to theaxle tube 20, and the axle tube 20 is provided with a second angleadjustment structure 21 on a surface facing to the inner-C-forging 30.One of the first angle adjustment structure 31 and the second angleadjustment structure 21 is provided with a plurality of protrusions, andthe other one of the first angle adjustment structure 31 and the secondangle adjustment structure 21 is provided with a plurality ofdepressions. The plurality of protrusions and the plurality ofdepressions are respectively distributed at intervals along acircumferential direction of the axle tube 20 or along a circumferentialdirection of the inner-C-forging 30. The protrusions and depressionseach radially extends from an inner portion to an outer periphery of thecorresponding inner-C-forging 30 or axle tube 20. When theinner-C-forging 30 is mounted to the axle tube 20, the protrusions eachis capable of engaging with different depressions such that theinner-C-forging 30 has different angles relative to a stationaryelement, such as a linkage base, or a damper spring support, on the axletube 20. If the protrusions engage in the depressions, theinner-C-forging 30 can not rotate relative to the axle tube 20 unlessthe engagements between the protrusions and the depressions arereleased.

Concretely, in this embodiment, the first angle adjustment structure 31is provided on an end surface of the inner-C-forging 30 which faces tothe axle tube 20 and is perpendicular to an axis of the inner-C-forging30. The second angle adjustment structure 21 is provided on an endsurface of the axle tube 20 which faces to the inner-C-forging 30 and isperpendicular to an axis of the axle tube 20. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the end surfaces may not perpendicular to its correspondingaxis and may form an acute angle or an obtuse angle with itscorresponding axis instead. In this embodiment, the first angleadjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21each is provided with a plurality of gear teeth arranged at intervalsalong the circumferential direction of the corresponding end surface.That is, in this embodiment, the protrusions are the gear teeth, and thedepressions are formed between adjacent gear teeth. By means of theengagement between the gear teeth and the depressions, thecircumferential positions of the inner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20can be determined. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first angleadjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21each may be provided with a plurality of splines arranged at intervalsalong the circumferential direction of the corresponding end surface.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the axle tube 20 includes an annular flange 22radially extending outwardly from the end of the axle tube 20 which isaway from the axle housing 10. An outer diameter of the flange 22 isgreater than outer diameters of other parts of the axle tube 20. Themounting apparatus 40 is loosely disposed around the axle tube 20 andlocated between the flange 22 and the axle housing 10 along the axialdirection of the axle tube 20. The inner-C-forging 30 has a firstannular ring 32 axially extending toward the axle tube 20, and themounting apparatus 40 has a second annular ring 42 axially extendingtoward the inner-C-forging 30. One of the first annular ring 32 and thesecond annular ring 42 is provided with external threads, the other oneof the first annular ring 32 and the second annular ring 42 is providedwith internal threads. The mounting apparatus 40 is screwed to theinner-C-forging 30, so that the flange 22 is sandwiched between theinner-C-forging 30 and the mounting apparatus 40, which prevents theinner-C-forging 30 from fallen off from the axle tube 20. In thisembodiment, the first annular ring 32 is provided with internal threads,and the second annular ring 42 is provided with external threads. Whenthe mounting apparatus 40 is screwed to the inner-C-forging 30, thesecond annular ring 42 extends into the first annular ring 32.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first annular ring 32 may beprovided with external threads, and the second annular ring 42 may beprovided with internal threads. When the mounting apparatus 40 isscrewed to the inner-C-forging 30, the first annular ring 32 extendsinto the second annular ring 42.

Referring to FIG. 6 through FIG. 8 , the inner-C-forging 30 includes amain body 33 and a backing plate 34. The main body 33 includes a roundsubstrate 35. The first annular ring 32 axially extends from an outerperiphery of the substrate 35, a reinforcement tube 36 axially extendsfrom a central portion of the substrate 35, and two L-shaped arms 37respectively extend from opposite portions of the first annular ring 32.The first annular ring 32 is provided with the threads to engage withthe second annular ring 42. The reinforcement tube 36 is capable ofextending into and contacting with an inner surface of the axle tube 20,for increasing a connecting strength between the inner-C-forging 30 andthe axle tube 20. The arms 37 each is provided with a connecting holefor insertion of the kingpin knuckle. The backing plate 34 is disposedin the first annular ring 32 and is fixed to an inner surface of thesubstrate 35 by screws, pins or rivets inserted in the substrate 35 andthe backing plate 34. The first angle adjustment structure 31 is formedon an end surface of the backing plate 34 which faces to the flange 22,and the second angle adjustment structure 21 is formed on an end surfaceof the flange 22 which faces to the backing plate 34. The arrangementthat the inner-C-forging 30 is divided into two parts, i.e., the mainbody 33 and the backing plate 34, makes the inner-C-forging 30 could beproduced easily.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the mounting apparatus 40 includes an annular base43. The second annular ring 42 axially extends from an outer peripheryof the base 43. The base 43 is sleeved around the axle tube 20 and iscapable of axially moving and circumferentially rotating relative to theaxle tube 20. The second annular ring 42 is provided with the threads toengage with the first annular ring 32. In some embodiments, the mountingapparatus 40 has a plurality of holes 44 defined in the base 43, forinsertion of a specific operation tool which helps to assemble ordisassemble the mounting apparatus 40.

In this embodiment, by means of separately arranging at least oneinner-C-forging 30 from a corresponding axle tube 20, and detachablymounting the inner-C-forging 30 to the axle tube 20 by the mountingapparatus 40, when it is required to adjust the caster angle, thecomponents (simply put, the mounting apparatus 40, the inner-C-forging30, and etc.,) on one side of the vehicle can be disassembled, then theinner-C-forging 30 can be rotated around its own axis to a suitableangle, and the inner-C-forging 30 can be rejoined to the axle tube 20,with the protrusions engaging with the corresponding depressions.Finally, the second annular ring 42 is re-screwed to the first annularring 32, so as to sandwich the flange 22 between the first annular ring32 and the mounting apparatus 40 and complete the fixation of theinner-C-forging 30 to the axle tube 20. By means of the forgoingoperations, the installation angle of the inner-C-forging 30 relative tothe axle tube 20 can be adjusted, and the caster angle can be adjustedaccordingly. In other words, by means of the arrangement of the firstangle adjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure21, the protrusions each may engage with different depressions, whichresults the inner-C-forging 30 may have different installation angles onthe axle tube 20. In different installation angles, an included angleformed between an axis of a kingpin installation point and an axis of adriveshaft installation point (i.e., the caster to pinion angle) isdifferent. By means of screwing the mounting apparatus 40 to theinner-C-forging 30 and sandwiching the flange 22 between the mountingapparatus 40 and the inner-C-forging 30, an adjustable and detachablemechanism is formed between the inner-C-forging 20 and the axle tube 20,and an assembly of the inner-C-forging 30 and the mounting apparatus 40is prevented from falling off from the axle tube 20 by the flange 22,such that the inner-C-forging 30 could not detach from the axle tube 20and the protrusions could keep in engagement with the depressions.

It should be noted that, the engagements between the protrusions and thedepressions prevent the inner-C-forging 30 from rotating around itsaxis, accordingly, the mounting apparatus 40 is hardly subjected to aforce along a circumferential direction of the axle tube 20. During therunning of the vehicle, the mounting apparatus 40 is hardly loosen andis uneasy to come out of the first annular ring 32.

Because the inner-C-forging 30 is capable of rotating around its ownaxis toward a front side or a rear side of the vehicle if theprotrusions disengage from the depressions, no matter the caster angleon which side of the vehicle needs to be adjusted, it can be realized byadjusting the installation angle of the corresponding inner-C-forging30. In some embodiments, since the inner-C-forgings 30 are separatelyarranged from the axle tube 20, the integrity of the axle tube 20 can beensured, and all of the installation points of the components on theaxle tube 20, such as the support point of the shock absorber, and theconnection point of the pull rod, and etc., can be arranged on theintegral axle tube 20, which can improve the strength of the front axle.Therefore, on the premise of ensuring the support strength, theadjustable front axle can easily adjust the caster angle and the casterto kingpin angle of the vehicle independently. Meanwhile, the positionsand angles of the installation points of the components are kept asoriginal, and variables affecting the chassis wheelbase, the directionalaccuracy, and the suspension height cannot be introduced.

Second Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 10 through FIG. 14 , a second embodiment of anadjustable front axle is provided. The second embodiment of theadjustable front axle is substantially the same as the first embodiment.The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment ismainly about the fixing manner of the inner-C-forging 30. In the secondembodiment, the inner-C-forging 30 is fixed to the axle tube 20 by abase 43 disposed between the flange 22 and the axle housing 10, and aplurality of connecting members 45 extending through the base 43 and theflange 22 and connecting to the inner-C-forging 30.

Generally speaking, the second embodiment of the adjustable front axleincludes an axle housing 10, two axle tubes 20, two inner-C-forgings 30,and at least one mounting apparatus 40. The axle tubes 20 are disposedat two opposite sides of the axle housing 10 respectively. Theinner-C-forging 30 is located at an end of the axle tube 20 which isaway from the axle housing 10 and is used to connect a kingpin knuckle(not shown). At least one inner-C-forging 30 is detachably fixed to acorresponding axle tube 20 by a corresponding mounting apparatus 40.

The axle tube 20 includes an annular flange 22 radially extendingoutwardly from the end of the axle tube 20 which is away from the axlehousing 10. The inner-C-forging 30 includes a main body 33 and a backingplate 34. The main body 33 includes a round substrate 35, areinforcement tube 36 axially extending from a central portion of thesubstrate 35, a first annular ring 32 axially extending from an outerperiphery of the substrate 35, and two L-shaped arms 37 respectivelyextending from opposite portions of the first annular ring 32. The arms37 are configured for connecting with the kingpin knuckle. Thereinforcement tube 36 is capable of extending into and contacting withthe axle tube 20 to increase a connecting strength between theinner-C-forging 30 and the axle tube 20. The backing plate 34 isdisposed in the first annular ring 32 and is fixed to an inner surfaceof the substrate 35 by screws, pins or rivets. An end surface of thebacking plate 34 which faces to the flange 22 is provided with a firstangle adjustment structure 31, and an end surface of the flange 22 whichfaces to the backing plate 34 is provided with a second angle adjustmentstructure 21. One of the first angle adjustment structure 31 and thesecond angle adjustment structure 21 is provided with a plurality ofprotrusions, and the other one of the first angle adjustment structure31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21 is provided with aplurality of depressions. In some embodiments, the protrusions may bethe gear teeth or the splines, the depressions may be formed betweenadjacent protrusions. The plurality of protrusions and the plurality ofdepressions are respectively distributed at intervals along acircumferential direction of the end surface of the flange 22 or along acircumferential direction of the end surface of the backing plate 34,and the protrusions and depressions each radially extends from an innerportion to an outer periphery of the corresponding inner-C-forging 30 oraxle tube 20. When the inner-C-forging 30 is mounted to the axle tube20, the protrusions each is capable of engaging with differentdepressions such that the inner-C-forging 30 has different anglesrelative to a stationary element, such as a linkage base, or a damperspring support, on the axle tube 20.

The mounting apparatus 40 includes an annular base 43 and a plurality ofconnecting members 45. The base 43 is loosely sleeved around the axletube 20 and is capable of axially moving and circumferentially rotatingrelative to the axle tube 20. The connecting members 45 may be screwbolts, pins, rivets and other suitable members, which is capable ofextending through the base 43 and the flange 22 and connecting with theinner-C-forging 30, so as to fix the inner-C-forging 30 to the axle tube20. The base 43 has a plurality of first holes 46 distributed along acircumferential direction thereof, the flange 22 has a plurality ofsecond holes 23 distributed along a circumferential direction thereof,and the inner-C-forging 30 has a plurality of third holes 38 distributedalong a circumferential direction thereof. In some embodiments, thethird holes 38 may be defined both in the substrate 35 and the backingplate 34. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the third holes 38may be defined only in the backing plate 34. The first holes 46 and thethird holes 38 are round holes, and the second holes 23 are elongatedholes. Due to the second holes 23 are elongated holes, if the positionof the inner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20 is required to beadjusted, the first holes 46 is capable of continuously aligning withthe second holes 23 and the third holes 38 in a specific range, whichmakes the angles of the inner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20 have awide regulation range.

Third Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 15 through FIG. 18 , a third embodiment of anadjustable front axle is provided. The third embodiment of theadjustable front axle is substantially the same as the secondembodiment. The difference between the third embodiment and the secondembodiment is mainly about the position of the first angle adjustmentstructure 31 and the position of the second angle adjustment structure21. In the third embodiment, the first angle adjustment structure 31 isprovided on a side surface of the inner-C-forging 30 which parallels tothe axial direction of the inner-C-forging 30, the second angleadjustment structure 21 is provided on a side surface of the flange 22which parallels to the axial direction of the axle tube 20.

Generally speaking, the third embodiment of an adjustable front axleincludes an axle housing 10, two axle tubes 20, two inner-C-forgings 30,and at least one mounting apparatus 40. The axle tubes 20 are disposedat two opposite sides of the axle housing 10 respectively. Theinner-C-forging 30 is located at an end of the axle tube 20 which isaway from the axle housing 10 and is used to connect a kingpin knuckle(not shown). At least one inner-C-forging 30 is detachably fixed to acorresponding axle tube 20 by a corresponding mounting apparatus 40.

The axle tube 20 includes an annular flange 22 radially extendingoutwardly from the end of the axle tube 20 which is away from the axlehousing 10. The inner-C-forging 30 includes a main body 33. The mainbody 33 includes a round substrate 35, a reinforcement tube 36 axiallyextending from a central portion of the substrate 35, a first annularring 32 axially extending from an outer periphery of the substrate 35,and two L-shaped arms 37 respectively extending from opposite portionsof the first annular ring 32. The arms 37 are configured for connectingwith the kingpin knuckle. The reinforcement tube 36 is capable ofextending into and contacting with the axle tube 20 to increase aconnecting strength between the inner-C-forging 30 and the axle tube 20.An inner side surface of the first annular ring 32 which parallels to anaxial direction of the inner-C-forging 30 is provided with a first angleadjustment structure 31, and an outer side surface of the flange 22which parallels to an axial direction of the axle tube 20 is providedwith a second angle adjustment structure 21. One of the first angleadjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21 isprovided with a plurality of protrusions, and the other one of the firstangle adjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure21 is provided with a plurality of depressions. In some embodiments, theprotrusions may be the gear teeth or the splines, the depressions may beformed between adjacent protrusions. The plurality of protrusions andthe plurality of depressions are respectively distributed at intervalsalong a circumferential direction of the side surface of the flange 22or along a circumferential direction of the side surface of the firstannular ring 32, and the protrusions or the depressions each extendsalong the axial direction of the inner-C-forging 30 or along the axialdirection of the axle tube 20. When the inner-C-forging 30 is mounted tothe axle tube 20, the protrusions each is capable of engaging withdifferent depressions such that the inner-C-forging 30 has differentangles relative to a stationary element, such as a linkage base, or adamper spring support, on the axle tube 20.

The mounting apparatus 40 includes an annular base 43 and a plurality ofconnecting members 45. The base 43 is loosely sleeved around the axletube 20 and is capable of axially moving and circumferentially rotatingrelative to the axle tube 20. The connecting members 45 may be screwbolts, pins, rivets and other suitable members, which is capable ofextending through the base 43 and the flange 22 and connecting with theinner-C-forging 30, so as to fix the inner-C-forging 30 to the axle tube20. The base 43 has a plurality of first holes 46 distributed along acircumferential direction thereof, the flange 22 has a plurality ofsecond holes 23 distributed along a circumferential direction thereof,and the inner-C-forging 30 has a plurality of third holes 38 distributedalong a circumferential direction thereof. The first holes 46 and thethird holes 38 are round holes, and the second holes 23 are elongatedholes. Due to the second holes 23 are elongated holes, if the positionof the inner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20 is required to beadjusted, the first holes 46 is capable of continuously aligning withthe second holes 23 and the third holes 38 in a specific range, whichmakes the angles of the inner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20 have awide regulation range.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 , a fourth embodiment of an adjustablefront axle is provided. The fourth embodiment of the adjustable frontaxle is substantially the same as the first embodiment. The differencebetween the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment is mainly aboutthe position of the first angle adjustment structure 31 and the positionof the second angle adjustment structure 21. In the fourth embodiment,the first angle adjustment structure 31 is provided on an end surface ofthe reinforcement tube 36 which faces to the axle tube 20, the secondangle adjustment structure 21 is provided on an end surface of a thirdannular ring 24 which locates inside the axle tube 20 and faces to theinner-C-forging 30.

Generally speaking, the fourth embodiment of an adjustable front axleincludes an axle housing 10, two axle tubes 20, two inner-C-forgings 30,and at least one mounting apparatus 40. The axle tubes 20 are disposedat two opposite sides of the axle housing 10 respectively. Theinner-C-forging 30 is located at an end of the axle tube 20 which isaway from the axle housing 10 and is used to connect a kingpin knuckle(not shown). At least one inner-C-forging 30 is detachably fixed to acorresponding axle tube 20 by a corresponding mounting apparatus 40.

The inner-C-forging 30 includes a main body 33 and a backing plate 34.The main body 33 includes a round substrate 35, a reinforcement tube 36axially extending from a central portion of the substrate 35, a firstannular ring 32 axially extending from an outer periphery of thesubstrate 35, and two L-shaped arms 37 respectively extending fromopposite portions of the first annular ring 32. The arms 37 areconfigured for connecting with the kingpin knuckle. The reinforcementtube 36 is capable of extending into and contacting with the axle tube20 to increase a connecting strength between the inner-C-forging 30 andthe axle tube 20. The backing plate 34 is disposed in the first annularring 32 and is fixed to an inner surface of the substrate 35 by screws,pins or rivets. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the inner-C-forging30 may not include the backing plate 34.

The mounting apparatus 40 includes an annular base 43, and a secondannular ring 42 axially extending from an outer periphery of the base43. The axle tube 20 includes an annular flange 22 radially extendingoutwardly from the end of the axle tube 20 which is away from the axlehousing 10, and a third annular ring 24 radially extending inwardly froman inner side thereof. An inner side of the third annular ring 24 formsa space for allowing a semi-axle extending therethrough.

In the fourth embodiment, an end surface of the reinforcement tube 36which is away from the main body 33 of the inner-C-forging 30 isprovided with a first angle adjustment structure 31, an end surface ofthe third annular ring 24 which is away from the axle housing 10 isprovided with a second angle adjustment structure 21. One of the firstangle adjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure21 is provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the other one of thefirst angle adjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustmentstructure 21 is provided with a plurality of depressions. The pluralityof protrusions and the plurality of depressions are respectivelydistributed at intervals along a circumferential direction of the endsurface of the third annular ring 24 or along a circumferentialdirection of the end surface of the reinforcement tube 36, and theprotrusions and depressions each radially extends from an inner portionto an outer periphery of the corresponding reinforcement tube 36 orthird annular ring 24. As long as the reinforcement tube 36 is insertedinto the axle tube 20, the protrusions could engage with thecorresponding depressions, and the installation angle of theinner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20 could be determined.

Furthermore, one of the first annular ring 32 and the second annularring 42 is provided with external threads, the other one of the firstannular ring 32 and the second annular ring 42 is provided with internalthreads. When the mounting apparatus 40 is screwed to theinner-C-forging 30, the flange 22 is sandwiched between theinner-C-forging 30 and the mounting apparatus 40, which prevents theassembly of the mounting apparatus 40 and the inner-C-forging 30 fromfallen off from the axle tube 20. If the installation angle of theinner-C-forging 30 is required to be adjusted, the mounting apparatus 40is required to be loosened to disassemble the inner-C-forging 30 fromthe axle tube 20, then the reinforcement tube 36 is required to bereinserted into the axle tube 20 with required installation angle, andthe mounting apparatus 40 is required to be re-screwed to theinner-C-forging 30 to fix the inner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20.

Fifth Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 , a fifth embodiment of an adjustablefront axle is provided. The fifth embodiment of the adjustable frontaxle is substantially the same as the fourth embodiment. The differencebetween the fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment is mainly aboutthe fixing manner of the inner-C-forging 30. In the fifth embodiment,the inner-C-forging 30 is fixed to the axle tube 20 by a base 43disposed between the flange 22 and the axle housing 10, and a pluralityof connecting members 45 extending through the base 43 and the flange 22and connecting to the inner-C-forging 30.

Generally speaking, the fifth embodiment of an adjustable front axleincludes an axle housing 10, two axle tubes 20, two inner-C-forgings 30,and at least one mounting apparatus 40. The axle tubes 20 are disposedat two opposite sides of the axle housing 10 respectively. Theinner-C-forging 30 is located at an end of the axle tube 20 which isaway from the axle housing 10 and is used to connect a kingpin knuckle(not shown). At least one inner-C-forging 30 is detachably fixed to acorresponding axle tube 20 by a corresponding mounting apparatus 40.

The inner-C-forging 30 includes a main body 33. The main body 33includes a round substrate 35, a reinforcement tube 36 axially extendingfrom a central portion of the substrate 35, a first annular ring 32axially extending from an outer periphery of the substrate 35, and twoL-shaped arms 37 respectively extending from opposite portions of thefirst annular ring 32. The arms 37 are configured for connecting withthe kingpin knuckle. The reinforcement tube 36 is capable of extendinginto and contacting with the axle tube 20 to increase a connectingstrength between the inner-C-forging 30 and the axle tube 20.

The axle tube 20 includes an annular flange 22 radially extendingoutwardly from the end of the axle tube 20 which is away from the axlehousing 10, and a third annular ring 24 radially extending inwardly froman inner side thereof. An inner side of the third annular ring 24 formsa space for allowing a semi-axle extending therethrough.

An end surface of the reinforcement tube 36 which is away from the mainbody 33 of the inner-C-forging 30 is provided with a first angleadjustment structure 31, an end surface of the third annular ring 24which is away from the axle housing 10 is provided with a second angleadjustment structure 21. One of the first angle adjustment structure 31and the second angle adjustment structure 21 is provided with aplurality of protrusions, and the other one of the first angleadjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21 isprovided with a plurality of depressions. The plurality of protrusionsand the plurality of depressions are respectively distributed atintervals along a circumferential direction of the end surface of thethird annular ring 24 or along a circumferential direction of the endsurface of the reinforcement tube 36, and the protrusions anddepressions each radially extends from an inner portion to an outerperiphery of the corresponding reinforcement tube 36 or third annularring 24. As long as the reinforcement tube 36 is inserted into the axletube 20, the protrusions could engage with the correspondingdepressions, and the installation angle of the inner-C-forging 30 on theaxle tube 20 could be determined.

The mounting apparatus 40 includes an annular base 43 and a plurality ofconnecting members 45. The base 43 is loosely sleeved around the axletube 20 and is capable of axially moving and circumferentially rotatingrelative to the axle tube 20. The connecting members 45 may be screwbolts, pins, rivets and other suitable members, which is capable ofextending through the base 43 and the flange 22 and connecting with theinner-C-forging 30, so as to fix the inner-C-forging 30 to the axle tube20. The base 43 has a plurality of first holes 46 distributed along acircumferential direction thereof, the flange 22 has a plurality ofsecond holes 23 distributed along a circumferential direction thereof,and the inner-C-forging 30 has a plurality of third holes 38 distributedalong a circumferential direction of the substrate 35 of theinner-C-forging 30. The first holes 46 and the third holes 38 are roundholes, and the second holes 23 are elongated holes. Due to the secondholes 23 are elongated holes, if the position of the inner-C-forging 30on the axle tube 20 is required to be adjusted, the first holes 46 iscapable of continuously aligning with the second holes 23 and the thirdholes 38 in a specific range, which makes the angles of theinner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20 have a wide regulation range.

Sixth Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 23 through FIG. 25 , a sixth embodiment of anadjustable front axle is provided. The sixth embodiment of theadjustable front axle is substantially the same as the fifth embodiment.The difference between the sixth embodiment and the fifth embodiment ismainly about the position of the first angle adjustment structure 31 andthe position of the second angle adjustment structure 21. In the sixthembodiment, the first angle adjustment structure 31 is provided on aside surface of the reinforcement tube 36 which parallels to the axialdirection of the inner-C-forging 30, the second angle adjustmentstructure 21 is provided on a side surface of the flange 22 whichparallels to the axial direction of the axle tube 20.

Generally speaking, the sixth embodiment of an adjustable front axleincludes an axle housing 10, two axle tubes 20, two inner-C-forgings 30,and at least one mounting apparatus 40. The axle tubes 20 are disposedat two opposite sides of the axle housing 10 respectively. Theinner-C-forging 30 is located at an end of the axle tube 20 which isaway from the axle housing 10 and is used to connect a kingpin knuckle(not shown). At least one inner-C-forging 30 is detachably fixed to acorresponding axle tube 20 by a corresponding mounting apparatus 40.

The inner-C-forging 30 includes a main body 33. The main body 33includes a round substrate 35, a reinforcement tube 36 axially extendingfrom a central portion of the substrate 35, a first annular ring 32axially extending from an outer periphery of the substrate 35, and twoL-shaped arms 37 respectively extending from opposite portions of thefirst annular ring 32. The arms 37 are configured for connecting withthe kingpin knuckle. The reinforcement tube 36 is capable of extendinginto and contacting with the axle tube 20 to increase a connectingstrength between the inner-C-forging 30 and the axle tube 20. The axletube 20 includes an annular flange 22 radially extending outwardly fromthe end of the axle tube 20 which is away from the axle housing 10. Anouter side surface of the reinforcement tube 36 which parallels to anaxial direction of the inner-C-forging 30 is provided with a first angleadjustment structure 31, an inner side surface of the flange 22 whichparallels to an axle direction of the axle tube 20 is provided with asecond angle adjustment structure 21. One of the first angle adjustmentstructure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21 is providedwith a plurality of protrusions, and the other one of the first angleadjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21 isprovided with a plurality of depressions. The plurality of protrusionsand the plurality of depressions are respectively distributed atintervals along a circumferential direction of the flange 22 or along acircumferential direction of the reinforcement tube 36, and theprotrusions or the depressions each extends along the axial direction ofthe inner-C-forging 30 or along the axial direction of the axle tube 20.As long as the reinforcement tube 36 is inserted into the axle tube 20,the protrusions could engage with the corresponding depressions, and theinstallation angle of the inner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20 couldbe determined.

The mounting apparatus 40 includes an annular base 43 and a plurality ofconnecting members 45. The base 43 is loosely sleeved around the axletube 20 and is capable of axially moving and circumferentially rotatingrelative to the axle tube 20. The connecting members 45 may be screwbolts, pins, rivets and other suitable members, which is capable ofextending through the base 43 and the flange 22 and connecting with theinner-C-forging 30, so as to fix the inner-C-forging 30 to the axle tube20. The base 43 has a plurality of first holes 46 distributed along acircumferential direction thereof, the flange 22 has a plurality ofsecond holes 23 distributed along a circumferential direction thereof,and the inner-C-forging 30 has a plurality of third holes 38 distributedalong a circumferential direction of the substrate 35 of theinner-C-forging 30. The first holes 46 and the third holes 38 are roundholes, and the second holes 23 are elongated holes. Due to the secondholes 23 are elongated holes, if the position of the inner-C-forging 30on the axle tube 20 is required to be adjusted, the first holes 46 iscapable of continuously aligning with the second holes 23 and the thirdholes 38 in a specific range, which makes the angles of theinner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20 have a wide regulation range.

Seventh Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 , a seventh embodiment of an adjustablefront axle is provided. The seventh embodiment of the adjustable frontaxle is substantially the same as the sixth embodiment. The differencebetween the seventh embodiment and the sixth embodiment is mainly aboutthe fixing manner of the inner-C-forging 30. In the seventh embodiment,the mounting apparatus 40 includes an annular base 43, and a secondannular ring 42 axially extending from an outer periphery of the base43. The first annular ring 32 and the second annular ring 42 are bothprovided with threads, to screw the mounting apparatus 40 to theinner-C-forging 30 and sandwich the flange 22 between the mountingapparatus 40 and the inner-C-forging 30, so as to prevent theinner-C-forging 30 from fallen off from the axle tube 20.

Generally speaking, the seventh embodiment of an adjustable front axleincludes an axle housing 10, two axle tubes 20, two inner-C-forgings 30,and at least one mounting apparatus 40. The axle tubes 20 are disposedat two opposite sides of the axle housing 10 respectively. Theinner-C-forging 30 is located at an end of the axle tube 20 which isaway from the axle housing 10 and is used to connect a kingpin knuckle(not shown). At least one inner-C-forging 30 is detachably fixed to acorresponding axle tube 20 by a corresponding mounting apparatus 40.

The inner-C-forging 30 includes a main body 33. The main body 33includes a round substrate 35, a reinforcement tube 36 axially extendingfrom a central portion of the substrate 35, a first annular ring 32axially extending from an outer periphery of the substrate 35, and twoL-shaped arms 37 respectively extending from opposite portions of thefirst annular ring 32. The arms 37 are configured for connecting withthe kingpin knuckle. The reinforcement tube 36 is capable of extendinginto and contacting with the axle tube 20 to increase a connectingstrength between the inner-C-forging 30 and the axle tube 20. The axletube 20 includes an annular flange 22 radially extending outwardly fromthe end of the axle tube 20 which is away from the axle housing 10. Anouter side surface of the reinforcement tube 36 which parallels to anaxial direction of the inner-C-forging 30 is provided with a first angleadjustment structure 31, an inner side surface of the flange 22 whichparallels to an axle direction of the axle tube 20 is provided with asecond angle adjustment structure 21. One of the first angle adjustmentstructure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21 is providedwith a plurality of protrusions, and the other one of the first angleadjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21 isprovided with a plurality of depressions. The plurality of protrusionsand the plurality of depressions are respectively distributed atintervals along a circumferential direction of the flange 22 or along acircumferential direction of the reinforcement tube 36, and theprotrusions or the depressions each extends along the axial direction ofthe inner-C-forging 30 or along the axial direction of the axle tube 20.As long as the reinforcement tube 36 is inserted into the axle tube 20,the protrusions could engage with the corresponding depressions, and theinstallation angle of the inner-C-forging 30 on the axle tube 20 couldbe determined.

The mounting apparatus 40 includes an annular base 43 and a secondannular ring 42 axially extends from an outer periphery of the base 43.The base 43 is loosely sleeved around the axle tube 20 and is capable ofaxially moving and circumferentially rotating relative to the axle tube20. The first annular ring 32 and the second annular ring 42 areprovided with the threads to fix the mounting apparatus 40 to theinner-C-forging 30. The threads may be formed on an outer side surfaceof the second annular ring 42 and an inner side surface of the firstannular ring 32. Alternatively, the threads may be formed on an innerside surface of the second annular ring 42 and an outer side surface ofthe first annular ring 32 as well.

According to the forgoing descriptions we can conclude that, in thepresent document, the inner-C-forging 30 on at least one of the axletube 20 is separately arranged from the corresponding axle tube 20, andthe inner-C-forging 30 is detachably connected to the axle tube 20through the mounting apparatus 40. When it is required to adjust thecaster angle, the components on one side of the vehicle can bedisassembled, such that the inner-C-forging 30 can be rotated around itsown axis to a suitable angle, and the inner-C-forging 30 can be rejoinedto the axle tube 20 with the protrusions engaging with the correspondingdepressions. Finally, the mounting apparatus 40 is fixed to theinner-C-forging 30 to sandwich the flange 22 between the inner-C-forging30 and the mounting apparatus 40 and complete the assembly of theinner-C-forging 30 to the axle tube 20. This can change the installationangle of the inner-C-forging 30 relative to the axle tube 20, and changethe angle of the installation point so as to further adjust the casterangle. In other words, through the arrangement of the first angleadjustment structure 31 and the second angle adjustment structure 21,the inner-C-forging 30 may have different installation angles relativeto the axle tube 20. By means of sandwiching the flange 22 between themounting apparatus 40 and the inner-C-forging 30, the inner-C-forging 30is fixed to and could not disengage from the axle tube 20. Under thepremise of ensuring the support strength, the adjustable front axle caneasily adjust the caster angle and the caster to kingpin angle on bothsides of the vehicle independently. Meanwhile, the positions and anglesof the installation points of the components on the axle tube 20 arestill kept as original, and variables that affect the chassis wheelbase,the directional accuracy, and the suspension height can not beintroduced.

Some embodiments may include a vehicle, which includes a wheel, akingpin knuckle for connecting with the wheel, and an adjustable frontaxle disposed under a chassis of the vehicle for connecting with thekingpin knuckle. The adjustable front axle may be anyone of theabove-mentioned embodiments of the adjustable front axle. Othertechnical features of the vehicle are common knowledge in the field, andwill not be repeated here.

The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments, and it should bepointed out that for those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the principle of the present document, some improvementsand modifications can also be made, and these improvements andmodifications are also considered to be included in the protection scopeof the present document.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable front axle, comprising: an axlehousing; an axle tube connected to an end of the axle housing; aninner-C-forging disposed on the axle tube at an end away from the axlehousing; and a mounting apparatus configured for detachably fixing theinner-C-forging to the axle tube; the inner-C-forging being providedwith a first angle adjustment structure on a side surface which isparallel to an axis of the inner-C-forging, the axle tube being providedwith a second angle adjustment structure on a side surface which isparallel to an axis of the axle tube, the first angle adjustmentstructure and the second angle adjustment structure having differentcooperation positions such that the inner-C-forging having differentinstallation angles relative to the axle tube.
 2. The adjustable frontaxle according to claim 1, wherein one of the first angle adjustmentstructure and the second angle adjustment structure is provided with aplurality of protrusions, the other one of the first angle adjustmentstructure and the second angle adjustment structure is provided with aplurality of depressions, the protrusions or the depressions aredisposed along a circumferential direction of a corresponding axle tubeor a circumferential direction of the inner-C-forging, the protrusionseach is capable of engaging with different depressions, making thesecond angle adjustment structure have different cooperation positionswith the first angle adjustment structure.
 3. The adjustable front axleaccording to claim 2, wherein both of the first angle adjustmentstructure and the second angle adjustment structure are provided with aplurality of gear teeth or a plurality of splines, the protrusions arethe gear teeth or the splines, and the depressions are formed betweenadjacent gear teeth or adjacent splines.
 4. The adjustable front axleaccording to claim 1, wherein the inner-C-forging comprises a firstannular ring, the axle tube comprises a flange which is capable of beingreceived in the first annular ring, the first angle adjustment structureis provided on an inner side surface of the inner-C-forging, the secondangle adjustment structure is provided on an outer side surface of theflange.
 5. The adjustable front axle according to claim 4, wherein themounting apparatus comprises a base which is disposed between the flangeand the axle housing, and a plurality of connecting members which iscapable of extending through the base and the flange, and uniting withthe inner-C-forging to fix the inner-C-forging to the axle tube.
 6. Theadjustable front axle according to claim 5, wherein the base has aplurality of first holes distributed along a circumferential directionthereof, the flange has a plurality of second holes distributed along acircumferential direction thereof, the inner-C-forging has a pluralityof third holes distributed along a circumferential direction thereof,the first holes and the third holes are round holes, the second holesare elongated holes, the connecting members extend through the firstholes, the second holes and the third holes in sequence.
 7. Theadjustable front axle according to claim 1, wherein the inner-C-forgingcomprises a reinforcement tube which is capable of extending into theaxle tube, the first angle adjustment structure is formed on an outerside surface of the reinforcement tube, the second angle adjustmentstructure is provided on an inner surface of the axle tube.
 8. Theadjustable front axle according to claim 7, wherein the axle tubecomprises a flange which extends from an end of the axle tube, at leasta portion of the mounting apparatus is disposed between the flange andthe axle housing, and the mounting apparatus is capable of uniting withthe inner-C-forging to fix the inner-C-forging to the axle tube.
 9. Theadjustable front axle according to claim 8, wherein the inner-C-forgingcomprises a first annular ring, the mounting apparatus comprises asecond annular ring, one of the first annular ring and the secondannular ring is provided with external threads, the other one of thefirst annular ring and the second annular ring is provided with internalthreads, the mounting apparatus and the inner-C-forging are connected bythe internal threads and the external threads.
 10. The adjustable frontaxle according to claim 9, wherein the mounting apparatus comprises abase from which the second annular ring axially extends, the basecomprises a plurality of holes defined therein, for insertion of anoperation tool to assemble or disassemble the mounting apparatus. 11.The adjustable front axle according to claim 8, wherein the mountingapparatus comprises a base which is disposed between the flange and theaxle housing, and a plurality of connecting members which is capable ofextending through the base and the flange, and uniting with theinner-C-forging.
 12. The adjustable front axle according to claim 11,wherein the base has a plurality of first holes distributed along acircumferential direction thereof, the flange has a plurality of secondholes distributed along a circumferential direction thereof, theinner-C-forging has a plurality of third holes distributed along acircumferential direction thereof, the first holes and the third holesare round holes, the second holes are elongated holes, the connectingmembers extend through the first holes, the second holes and the thirdholes in sequence.
 13. The adjustable front axle according to claim 11,wherein the connecting members are selected from a group consisting ofscrews, pins and rivets.
 14. A vehicle, comprising: an adjustable frontaxle, comprising: an axle housing; an axle tube connected to an end ofthe axle housing; an inner-C-forging disposed on the axle tube at an endaway from the axle housing and configured for connecting with a kingpinknuckle; a mounting apparatus configured for detachably fixing theinner-C-forging to the axle tube; the inner-C-forging being providedwith a first angle adjustment structure on a side surface which isparallel to an axis of the inner-C-forging, the axle tube being providedwith a second angle adjustment structure on a side surface which isparallel to an axis of the axle tube, the first angle adjustmentstructure and the second angle adjustment structure having differentcooperation positions such that the inner-C-forging having differentinstallation angles relative to the axle tube.
 15. The vehicle accordingto claim 14, wherein one of the first angle adjustment structure and thesecond angle adjustment structure is provided with a plurality ofprotrusions, the other one of the first angle adjustment structure andthe second angle adjustment structure is provided with a plurality ofdepressions, the protrusions or the depressions are disposed along acircumferential direction of a corresponding axle tube or acircumferential direction of the inner-C-forging, the protrusions eachis capable of engaging with different depressions, making the secondangle adjustment structure have different cooperation positions with thefirst angle adjustment structure.
 16. The vehicle according to claim 14,wherein the inner-C-forging comprises a first annular ring, the axletube comprises a flange which is capable of being received in the firstannular ring, the first angle adjustment structure is provided on aninner side surface of the inner-C-forging, the second angle adjustmentstructure is provided on an outer side surface of the flange.
 17. Thevehicle according to claim 16, wherein the mounting apparatus comprisesa base and a plurality of connecting members, the base is disposedbetween the flange and the axle housing, the flange has a plurality ofelongated holes distributed along a circumferential direction thereof,the connecting members are capable of extending through the base and theelongated holes, and uniting with the inner-C-forging to fix theinner-C-forging to the axle tube.
 18. The vehicle according to claim 14,wherein the inner-C-forging comprises a reinforcement tube which iscapable of extending into the axle tube, the first angle adjustmentstructure is formed on an outer side surface of the reinforcement tube,the second angle adjustment structure is provided on an inner surface ofthe axle tube.
 19. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the axletube comprises a flange which extends from an end of the axle tube, theinner-C-forging comprises a first annular ring, the mounting apparatuscomprises a second annular ring, the flange is capable of being receivedin the first annular ring and sandwiched between the inner-C-forging andthe axle tube, one of the first annular ring and the second annular ringis provided with external threads, the other one of the first annularring and the second annular ring is provided with internal threads, themounting apparatus and the inner-C-forging are connected by the internalthreads and the external threads.
 20. The adjustable front axleaccording to claim 18, wherein the axle tube comprises a flange whichextends from an end of the axle tube, the mounting apparatus comprises abase and a plurality of connecting members, the base is disposed betweenthe flange and the axle housing, the flange has a plurality of elongatedholes distributed along a circumferential direction thereof, theconnecting members are capable of extending through the base and theelongated holes, and uniting with the inner-C-forging to fix theinner-C-forging to the axle tube.